When I bought my first bow 6 years ago. The shop owner REFUSED to sell me a release until I learned to accurately shoot with my fingers. He did this because he explained the importance of being able to still shoot if something were to happen to my release or if I lost it while hunting.

I have since switched to a release and just this year needed to draw on a deer while the release was still in my fanny pack. I was setting up a new stand when I heard a commotion behind me. I looked and saw a deer moving my way. Now I didn't have my release on and no time to get it so I picked up my bow, nocked an arrow and drew back. The deer turned out to be a small doe and I passed on the shot. But had it been a nice buck I would have thanked my shop owner up and down for teaching (or forcing) me to learn how to finger shoot. As you may have guessed by now, I feel it is important to learn both ways and then do what feels right for you.